TRENTHAM CAMP

Southland Times, Issue 17478, 20 July 1915, Page 6

TRENTHAM CAMP

. THREE MORE DEATHS. STATEMENT BY DR VALINTINE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 19. Three additional deaths are reported to have occurred at the Trentham Camp Hospital. Two of the deaths were due to cerebro-spinal meningitis, and the third is stated to be attributable to a complication following measles. The men concerned were Private Herbert James Williams (Picton), Private David Booth Doggett (Ranglora), and Private Walter P. Ford (next of kin in England). The bodies of Williams and Doggett have been sent to the homes of the men's 'parents. The remains of 1* ord will be buried at Karori with military honours. Dr Valiutine. the Director of Military Hospitals, stated to-day that the outbreak of- cerebro-spinal meningitis did not appear to be spreading. Several patients were under suspicion, though their disease had not been definitely diagnosed. There were some other oases under suspicion at the Wellington Hospital, but they had not been reported on definitely. The known cases were being treated at the Trentham Hospital, and had been there some time. No cases had been reported from the new camps. Dr Valintine mentioned that he had given instructions that parents and next of kin should be allowed to call in private medical practitioners if they were not satisfied with the medical attendance provided in the military hospitals. The relatives of some of the men have been expressing a wish in this direction. Minor cases of measles and inlluenza are still being reported from the new samps, but Dr Valintine states that the sick are all progressing favourably. The available hospital accommodation in connection with the new camps is considered to be adequate. THE ROYAL COMMISSION. YESTERDAYS PROCEEDINGS. WELLINGTON. July 19. K. W. Holmes, Engineer-in-Chiof of the Public Works Department, gave evidence to-day before the Trentham Royal Commission. He said that up to the present he had had nothing to do with the erection of the hutments. On Tuesdaylast he was asked to take charge of all work. He considered the hutments were fairly satisfactory. They would be rather cold on frosty nights, and some attention would have to be given to ventilation. With regard to sanitation, he considered the collection of sewage was satisfactory, but the disposal after collection provided greater difficulties. In view of the ground possibly becoming clogged witb particles of solid matter, he had under consideration means for dealing with this. The improvements at the camp -were to cost approximately £28,000. He considered the site a very suitable one for a camp. • Major James O'Sullivan. assistant quartermaster-general, said the department let a contract for 2250 pairs of boots ner month. Messrs R. Hannah and Co. (Wellington) and Messrs O’Brien and Co. (Christchurch) being the contractors. The difficulty commenced when, in addition to 1700 men originally provided for. the authorities put in the Trentham Regiment, field artillery, base hospitals, and other troops. His Honour : What we want to know is whether there was sufficient activity displayed in getting boots. As a matter of fact you don't get enough now. Witness : “No, we do not.” He added that efforts were made at once to increase the supply. Other boot manufacturers were invited to supply at contract price.